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January 10, 2015

A Time To Stitch 6 - Reveal

It's time for the reveal of the 6th beadweaving challenge A Time to Stitch, hosted by Therese Frank and Christine Altmiller. I love their challenges and I always learn a lot!!This time we had to use a graphed chart, Word chart or Picture chart using peyote, square, RAW or brich stitches.

While searching for interesting patterns I've found this one by Lariata on Etsy:

A two drop even count poyote - it looked just right for my project!!! The colors I've chosen are a little different than the ones on the pattern, but I've followed the chart exactly. Oh, I've needed to undo several rows more than once ... and I've found out it's rather addictive!!! Here it is (a little shorter than in the original pattern, but it's enough long for my wrist):

Do you see a fish in there??And I still need to find a perfect closure ... any ideas??

Lesson one: In Slovenia the size measuring is in milimetres and it differs from brand to brand. I've used 2,2 mm Miyuki Rocailles from two different manufacturers (it's difficult to get all that colors from one only) and I've found they are not exactly the same size - the reult is a slightly wonky bracelet. Lesson two:Miyuki Rocailles by Rayher are not so even ... I didn't have enough, had to do more. So I've found this free pattern online - a three count peyote:

This one also needs a closure ... My sister asked me if I could make her something to cover a stain on her T-shirt and the Desert Rose tutorial by Eridhan Creations, Therese and Christine used on the badge for this challenge just spoke to me, so I purchased it. It took me much more time to make that I thought it would, I've broken 4 needles making it and I've finished it just yesterday evening before going to bed. Well, more exactly almost finished - there's the last row I need to do ... I've used all Miyuki Rocailles, because had no Delicas of the right size and color in my stash.

Lesson three: No matter how I try to, I can not find the perfect match for the 11/o, 15/o, 8/o beads in mm sizes ... The online converters differs one from another and I can only guess which one is the most accurate. However, there are only 1.5 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.6 mm and 4.0 mm beads available in our shops ... so there is only one possible conversion, even if it's not the right one ...Well, thank you ladies for this interesting challenge and can't wait the next one :-)Let's now see what the other participants have made - here's the list:

What fantastic bracelets you've made!! I love both of them. And, aren't Eridhan's designs great! I did one for my project and I love the one you chose. For closures you can use the slide clasps which you can find at Artbeads or Fusion Beads and I'm sure other places. The come in different widths so you should be able to get one to fit the width of your bracelets. And, they are easy to put on! Happy New Year!

oh wow! gorgeous beading Alenka! I love your bracelets and such fun patterns!! your flower is beautiful ... and how nice to bead for your sister - it looks like a lot of work!! and 4 needles? you sound like me! I'm always breaking needles - LOL But such lovely results!

Hi Alenka,Thank you for participating in the round of ATTS challenge. You have come a long way in your bead weaving skills. The bracelets you chose are gorgeous and I do see the fish in the first one I am going to have to check out that Etsy shop for more of her patterns. The Desert Rose is gorgeous in red white and black I think your sister is going to be very pleased. Is there a website that you can order Delicas from? It is a shame that you can not get them in the local bead stores.Again you did an awesome job with what you had to work with all of your pieces are gorgeous.Therese

I do see a fish! What wonderful bracelets you made with with great colors! The three drop peyote look is really cool. And that Dessert Rose!!! WOW! Your sister is going to LOVE it! The colors are stunningly beautiful. With all the frustrating sizing issues, we sure are glad you stuck with it :-)

Hi Alenka,All three of your pieces are fabulous. Yes I saw the fish right away. I would put a slide clasp on that bracelet. If you want to make stitched clasps I recommend Diane Fitzgerald's book "Shaped Beadwork." She has designs for 10 different shaped clasps, bezels, pendants and more. Your Desert Rose is AWESOME!!! Your sister is lucky to get it. I have found that when I use John James needles I break them more because they are stiffer. Now I try to buy Pony brand needles as they seem to bend more and not beak as much for me.

Yes, I see the fish and it is splendid. For closures, you might want to check out Sally's post - I really liked the way she finished her peyote cuff. I love the color combinations you selected for the Desert Rose pattern -- isn't it special? Also, you mentioned the broken needles from the Desert Rose pattern. I only use Tulip brand needles these days - since they are so sturdy. They are more expensive but seem to last longer. Great job on the challenge!

Alenka, you've worked a lot and chose beautiful patterns. I find it difficult too knowking if beads are compatible with each other but I have not much experience myself. I try not to mix different brands so that problems won't arise. About the closure one option is using a button (it can be a Swarovski crystal button). See it here:http://www.pinterest.com/pin/498562621222724337/